Labor nominee Andrew Puzder expected to withdraw

According to sources close to the White House, Donald Trumps‘ Department of Labor nominee Andrew Puzder is preparing to withdraw his nomination.

Puzder’s alleged decision comes in the wake of senior Senate Republicans asking the White House to rescind Puzder’s nomination after they determined there was not enough support to get him through the process.

Puzder needs at least 50 votes to be confirmed with the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Mike Pence.

The CEO of the company that owns the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast food chains, Puzder’s nomination was dismantled by reports that he employed an undocumented immigrant and didn’t pay taxes on her compensation, that he apprenticed to a mob lawyer, and that his former wife alleged that he abused her, though she later recanted the claim.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the criticisms against the nominee with a public statement Wednesday afternoon.

“No matter how you cut it, there is no worse pick for labor secretary than Andrew Puzder, and I’m encouraged my Republican colleagues are starting to agree,” the New York Democrat said. “He does not belong anywhere near the Labor Department, let alone at the head of it. Puzder’s disdain for the American worker, the very people he would be responsible for protecting, is second to none.”

“President Trump should immediately withdraw this nomination and nominate a champion of worker’s rights.”

Like this:

THE LATEST FROM ALABAMA TODAY

Alabama Today will be the first place Alabamians of influence go for an inside look at breaking statewide, political and business news.

Led by Apryl Marie Fogel, a political activist with over a decade of experience, the Alabama Today team includes freelance news reporters, as well as guest columnists from around the state.

According to Fogel: "My biggest goal for Alabama Today is to provide up to the minute information that will influence the direction of our state. Alabama Today is a platform unlike any other in the state, where news is news and opinion is opinion. I'm excited to focus on two subject areas that I am passionate and dedicated to -- political news and opinions and recognizing and growing influential women."

Alabama Today is also the host of Context Alabama where voices of experience and influence statewide will regularly be published. Featuring Alabama's leading political consultants, grassroots leaders and influencers Context Alabama will provide commentary on the hottest topics.